Quantification and valuation of the potential of shellfish ecosystem services in mitigating coastal eutrophication

Eutrophication of coastal waters due to anthropogenic nutrient enrichment is a significant problem in European seas and worldwide. Bivalve shellfish remove nutrients from the water through filtration of suspended particles. This ‘bioextraction’ capacity is a key regulating ecosystem service that contributes to eutrophication control, but the extent and value of this ecosystem service has not been well established. This study aims to assess the potential of shellfish ecosystem services in mitigating coastal eutrophication in European coastal waters. The estimation of the amount of nutrients removed by different bivalve species under specific culture practices and locations is relevant due to the variety, geographical distribution, and scale at which shellfish species are farmed in Europe.